BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

BEGIN SIM

ACTION> Atlantis exits slipstream in the unexplored planetary system.

:: monitors the slipstream power-down from her station on the bridge ::

:: checks the readings :: CO: Normal space achieved. Drift 218 light-seconds.

:: sits poised to kick off an initial low-res system scan, looking at Kate for the order ::

:: looks forward to getting back to work, refreshed by shore leave involving a visit with Acacia's family and some time with her own ::

NAV: Thank you, Mr. Navarro. :: turns her attention to Lexy :: CSO: The system is yours for the sciencing.

:: sits at her usual spot on the bridge, idly watching and listening ::

:: can't help but giggle at Harper's comment, turning attention to her console ::

:: tries to maintain a calm, cool demeanor :: CO: Aye, Captain. Initiating scan.

:: initiates the scan ::

:: eyes the incoming data on her chair arm ::

:: in Holodeck 3, going over simulations of recent battles that the Sharks have been involved in and making notes of items to either bring up in future training sessions or as strategies for any future conflict ::

:: continues to go over the readings from the propulsion systems ::

:: checks out the scan data feed as well ::

:: once the readings have returned to idle, he charts courses to all the planets in this system ::

:: aloud :: The star is a G-type main sequence star, a yellow dwarf. It is orbited by a gas supergiant close to the star, followed by a terrestrial planet with a dense atmosphere, a second terrestrial planet with an atmosphere, a ringed gas giant home to many moons, and finally, a small terrestrial planet covered in various ices.

:: the term 'various ices' reminds her of popsicles ::

:: leans forward in her chair with a smile, always enjoying exploration :: CSO: Where to first? Scientist's choice.

:: is easily distracted; has not gotten over her funk ::

:: pulls up the scan image of the ice planet on her console to see the colors ::

:: would not say no to a popsicle right now, actually ::

:: taps her chin, thinking ::

:: looks over to Lexy, trying to guess ::

:: barely focuses on the scan images, triggering a long-range scan ::

:: smiles, amused and delighted for Wright's opportunity to science the area ::

CO: They all look fascinating, but we should probably check out the two terrestrial worlds with atmospheres at the edges of the habitable zone first. I'll do a more detailed scan of their atmospheres to see which one looks most interesting. :: kicks off the scans ::

:: wonders when the last time she even had a popsicle was; thinks :: Probably about 1914 ish years.

:: nods and leans back in her seat to take a sip of her tea ::

:: leans back in her seat and gets comfortable ::

:: having already guessed wrong, he brings the courses for the terrestrial worlds up and ready ::

:: aloud :: The second planet has a dense, toxic atmosphere high in CO2. Quite inhospitable. The third planet has a nice nitrox atmosphere, and I'm getting some readings that would indicate life, though that world is a bit on the chilly side. We should check that one out first.

CSO: Very well. NAV: Take us there, Zorro, at an appropriate warp factor.

:: wonders aloud :: CSO: Chilly side?

:: swipes the other course away and chooses the one for the third planet, and engages at warp four :: CO: Sí, capitana. We will arrive in a few minutes.

CMO: It's in the habitable zone, but at the outer edge. Much colder than, say, Earth.

:: nods her understanding ::

No One In Particular: Eh, we'll live.

:: looking at scan data as it comes in :: CMO: It appears to occasionally get above freezing in the equatorial region, to be more specific.

CSO: Ah, lovely.

CSO: Break out the bikinis.

:: chuckles ::

:: smirks :: CEO: Like the polar hare club on Earth, yes?

CEO: Dr. Endilev might enjoy it. The rest of us...

CO: The what?

:: shivers, the distant memory of having grown a winter fur coat while being stranded on a planet crossing her mind ::

CEO: The people that intentionally swim in freezing waters.

:: shrugs ::

CO: Oh, oh, right. I'd never heard it by that name.

CO: The polar bear challenge?

:: blinks :: CO: They're insane!

CMO: Is it bear? I thought they were hares. Oh well.

:: half-listens as her scans grow higher-resolution with the closing distance ::

ACTION> Atlantis exits warp near the terrestrial world.

:: nods :: CO: Bears.

:: tries to recall the difference between bears and hares. She can picture what a bear is, but not a hare ::

:: learned something today ::

:: chuckling to himself :: CO: Entering a standard scanning orbit.

CO: Scanning for life signs.

:: smiles at the mix-up, now picturing how a polar hare would swim ::

CSO: On screen, too.

:: puts it up on the main viewer ::

:: gazes up at the viewscreen, eager for new sights ::

CO: The equatorial region boasts significant microbial life, plus a few enclaves of plants here and there.

ACTION> An icy world with a cloudy atmosphere appears, with peeks of ocean and land below the clouds.

:: watches the viewscreen with interest ::

CSO: Hardy plants, to evolve in such a place.

CO: As did plants on our worlds, once.

:: idly wonders if such a plant could survive her neglect ::

:: watching the planet on the main viewer :: CSO: The oceans have not frozen over all the way to the equator. Anything in the sea?

:: suppresses a shiver again at the bleak, frozen sight on the main viewer ::

:: admires the planet from the safe distance of Atlantis, not too eager to visit ::

CO: The seas are full of microbial life and scattered plants as well, but nothing more than that yet.

:: smiles a bit :: CSO: Give it a few hundred million years.

:: still gets the tinglies at seeing the beginning of life ::

:: glances over her shoulder and returns the smile, nodding ::

CSO: I mean it when I say it's fascinating, but I am holding out for the day we find a planet of dinosaurs.

:: winces, not wanting to tell Zoë about Long Shot 4 ::

CO: I'll take a detailed scan for the record, and enter this planet's life stage on the chart. :: begins the scan ::

:: brightens :: CEO: Oh, we did find one of those once!

:: raises an eyebrow ::

:: winces again ::

:: jaw drops :: CSO: Aw man, really?

CEO: It was a planet that was orbiting a star that was closely orbiting Sagittarius A*.

CEO: We traveled to the center of the galaxy to study the black hole there.

:: grumpface :: :: mumbles to self :: I would really love to have seen that...

CEO: Unfortunately, the proximity to the black hole and its accretion disk sent an extinction-causing asteroid to that world. We did save the egg of an avian creature, however.

All: At least we learned that such places can be stable for long enough that complex life can evolve.

:: wonders about Velina and the pterosaur ::

:: grumpface intensifies ::

:: frowns at that story, pensive ::

CEO: We took extensive images and scans once we realized the world would be destroyed. They're still in the records.

CEO: And in the holodeck! We had a holiday party there one year.

:: reaches terminal grumpocity :: :: mumbles :: A dinosaur holiday party sounds really fun.

CSO: Are there any samples that you wish to collect here? Preferably with the transporters? :: shivers ::

CO: Absolutely. I think we have an aquarium prepared in Science Lab 4.

CEO: Feel free to use the program! It is focused around a naturally-heated lake.

CO: Is my presence needed for collection or are we not leaving the ship?

CSO: By all means, with appropriate quarantine measures.

CTO: No, I think that we will stay aboard where it is warm, unless something of great interest appears.

:: calls down to the lab to set up the appropriate measures ::

:: reflects fondly of the event on the holodeck recreated in memory of the world to be destroyed, in a way the world living on in their memories ::

:: lets out a sigh of relief at hearing that, she wasn't the largest fan of cold... by any standards ::

:: leans back in her chair, deep in thought ::

:: also remembering the event, and the wrestling match she and Kuari got into in the lake after Kuari pushed her in! ::

:: coordinates with Seles and Nikresh, who are standing by to receive the sample ::

CO: Ready to beam seawater and surface samples to quarantined enclosures in Science Lab 4.

:: nods :: CSO: Go ahead.

CO: Energizing.

:: sips at her tea, having added a bit of Risan spice to the drakberry mixture ::

:: quite happy to not be fighting anyone, and to be back to their primary mission ::

:: gets up and crosses to the replicator, getting herself a cup of coffee ::

:: calls down to check ::

CO: The samples have been successfully received.

CSO: Excellent. Anything else here?

:: crosses back to her seat and stretches a bit before sitting back down, sipping her coffee ::

:: gets into research mode, mostly leaving it to the Science team, but watches the inflow of data and discovery, happy Atlantis is contributing to the knowledge of the Federation as a whole. One can never know what new thing can be found, waiting to be discovered in the next system ::

:: plots preliminary courses to the other planets in the system ::

:: shakes her head :: CO: Negative. Might as well take a look at the hot planet, while we're here.

CSO: Hot planet it is, then. NAV: Mr. Navarro, if you will.

CO/CSO: Fire and ice!

CO: Aye aye. :: breaks orbit and engages warp to the next planet closer, which is a great arc inward since that world is on the other side of the star, a flight that would be slow if not for warp drive ::

:: chuckles :: XO: I prefer fire.

:: ponders ::

:: sips her coffee and watches the streams of data on her console and on the viewscreen ::

CO: "Some say the world will end in fire, some say in ice. From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire. But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate to say that for destruction ice is also great and would suffice."

CSO: Is that a poem? :: thinks on it a moment ::

:: cocks her head a little at Wright's words, not sounding like her own so assumes it's a quote from someone famous she does not know ::

:: can't place the quote ::

CO: It is, a famous old poem from Earth by a man named Robert Frost.

CSO: Ha.

CSO: Frost.

CSO: Lovely.

:: makes a note to read it :: CSO: Interesting, though I was simply commenting that I prefer to be warm than cold.

:: recalls the author's name vaguely from her limited study of literature on Earth, and mulls over the words again ::

ACTION> Atlantis exits warp near the hot planet.

CO: Entering a standard scanning orbit.

:: scans for life signs, just in case, stranger things have happened ::

:: cocks her head :: All: Haven't we done this before?

:: raises an eyebrow at D’bryn ::

All: Hot planet, cold planet?

:: turns to look quizzically at D'Bryn :: CEO: ... are you saying this is boring and repetitive?

CEO: No, it was cold planet, hot planet last time.

CSO: No! Just noticing a patte— :: snort-laughs at the CO ::

:: is visibly concerned ::

CEO: Are you alright?

:: glad to have gotten a laugh out of Zoë, at least, having noticed her funk ::

:: perks up her posture :: CMO: In a professional context, yes.

CSO: Put this one on screen.

:: eyes her suspiciously ::

:: pops it on the main viewer ::

:: blinks over towards D'bryn momentarily but diverts her attention to the screen ::

:: types message to CMO: 'just personal stuff, don't worry about me' ::

Self: Oooo. CO: I'm detecting some scattered microbial life in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

ACTION> A world completely covered in mostly beige clouds with hints of darker patches appears on the main viewer, offering no hint as to what might be below.

:: definitely isn’t going to drop this, but now isn’t the time, so she redirects her attention to the viewer ::

:: brightens :: CSO: In such a place? Fascinating!

:: is surprised at the mention of life in the upper layers of the atmosphere ::

All: Then again, we found life floating in that gas giant...

CO: Yes, could it be similar...?

All: Why do I feel less inclined to meet microbes that thrive in that kind of environment, than I am to meet microbes that thrive in arctic environments?

:: already setting up a habitat for a sample ::

:: definitely has her interest piqued ::

CEO: That environment, in the upper clouds, may be quite pleasant.

CO: "Pleasant" may be a strong word, but in comparison to what lies below, yes.

CEO: Microbes in arctic environments are possibly more...dormant?

:: laughs a little :: CSO: Yes, exactly.

:: gestures at the screen to indicate the microbes :: CO/CSO: Well, as long as they enjoy it, I guess. :: blinks, mumbles to self :: I'm just talking to hear myself talk.

CO: Permission to gather a sample?

CSO: Granted!

:: follows the same procedure as before to beam a quarantined sample to the lab ::

:: makes a note to go down to the lab and look in on the samples they've collected ::

:: also makes a note to stop by the science lab when she has a chance ::

:: initiates another deep scan of the planet and adds notes in the chart ::

CSO: What are the surface conditions, out of curiosity?

CO: The word "hellish" springs to mind. 100 atmospheres of pressure. Roughly 550 degrees C.

CSO: Good word.

:: is humbled ::

:: looks up as her console flashes :: CO: Captain, we're being hailed by the USS Savant. By one Ambassador Karwayin...? :: looks inquisitively at Kuari, thinking she recognizes the name ::

:: glances to Kuari, following Lexy's look, then stands and Picard-manuevers :: CSO: On screen.

:: perks up, almost alarmed and ready to jump out of her seat. She never imagined receiving a hail from her father before, let alone being in the same region of space ::

:: sits up a bit straighter, looking around curiously at the reactions ::

:: looks back to Kuari questioningly ::

:: turns back forward and punches the keys to put it on screen, looking up as the image appears ::

:: then looks toward the main viewer ::

:: wracks brain :: Karwayin... Karwayin... :: remembers a few lifetimes where he popped up :: All: Oh, this is the commander's dad, right?

:: appears on screen, a larger, more powerful and male version of Kuari :: CO: Greetings, Atlantis, Captain Harper. I...did not anticipate ever meeting you in this fashion, but I hope you are well.

:: the viewscreen answers her question ::

:: catches Harper's glance nervously before staring at the screen ::

:: that is where she recognizes the name! :: Karwayin: Ambassador! I am quite well, thank you, and likewise, I had hoped that we would meet in-person, but regardless, it is a pleasure. Your daughter speaks highly of you.

:: smiles to Kuari ::

:: doesn't notice Harper's look, her full attention on her father on the screen ::

:: smiles slightly as she looks up at the image of the larger Rucara ::

:: smiles faintly, still unsure of the vibe ::

:: is automatically wary of fathers and father figures ::

:: turns his eyes slightly to the side, meeting Kuari's gaze, before returning dutifully to the matter at hand :: I've been dispatched by Starfleet to render aid in response to a distress call from the planet Wenkudia. Its people, specifically the Thrin'pa faction, has reached out to us for help. The Wenkudian people have recently applied for membership to the Federation. Their planet has recently been ravaged by the Xovul, a conflict with which you are the most familiar, I believe, and I could use your assistance and expertise.

:: dies a little inside at the mention of the Xovul ::

:: tenses up a bit, but keeps her small performative smile ::

:: fights to not let her disappointment show at anything involving the Xovul :: Karwayin: Of course, Ambassador. Atlantis is at your disposal. How can we assist?

:: swallows nervously, but does not divert her attention from the image of her father, still scarcely believing the Atlantis is in contact with him, her worlds of work and home colliding uncomfortably ::

:: mumbles to self :: Okay, now I'm really sensing a pattern here. Do science, get Xovul.

:: her face has fallen, but she tries to keep her professional mask on ::

:: wishes she weren't so damn familiar with the Xovul conflict ::

:: notices several faces on the image he's receiving of Atlantis' bridge :: CO: Don't worry, the Xovul are long since withdrawn, in part thanks to your ship and crew. It's their effect on the planet that has disrupted balance, however. The Thrin'pa faction's territory has sustained most of the damage from the Xovul, and the Leuk'pa faction is taking advantage. They are at war.

:: her smile falters with the negative vibe ::

:: internally :: War. Again.

:: fully frowns ::

:: exhales sharply at hearing that, and turns on her heel to exit the bridge to contact Everly and get instructions issued ::

:: sighs ::

:: nods in understanding, and relieved that least they will not have to directly deal with Xovul, even if what they left in their wake is regrettable :: Karwayin: I see. They are wanting us to mediate peace, then?

:: messages Sickbay to get started stockpiling supplies ::

:: checks in on Rocinante's readiness and gets a rebuff from the deck chief that of course his plane is ready ::

:: puts in orders to make sure the shields and the goddamn power distributors are ready to take a beating ::

:: straightens, head rising a little higher, and for anyone that is familiar with Kuari, can tell he is sitting on the floor :: CO: The Thrin'pa are wanting our protection from their enemies, as they are weakened from the third party attack. The Federation, of course, cannot involve itself in their war. I have told them so, but they feel the intervening of theXovul somehow changes the circumstances. This is...a unique situation, and I'm hoping with your help, we can come to a peaceful arrangement. As they are interested in becoming members of the Federation, and their prime location at the edge of explored space, they could possibly become a valuable ally, if we are to help them come to a resolution.

:: frowns pensively ::

:: thinks about the house they bought and how much she would rather be there ::

Karwayin: Of course, Ambassador. We will rendezvous with you and render all assistance that we can.

:: smiles, a suppressed thin line of jagged white teeth barely showing, and bows his head :: CO: Thank you, Captain. I look foward to your arrival.

Karwayin: As I look forward to meeting you in person, though the circumstances could be better. However, if we can help stop a war, then all the better. Atlantis out. :: nods to Lexy ::

:: cuts the comm ::

:: watches Harper ::

:: finally looks away from the screen as the image of her father disappears, first at the floor then wide-eyed at Harper ::

All: Alright, everyone. :: looks around the bridge, not needing to be an empath to know what the mention of the Xovul did to her crew ::

All: So...this time we're stopping a war, right? Not fighting in one?

:: keeps her eyes on her console ::

:: tries to keep her on-edge vibe to herself ::

:: nods to Zoë :: CEO: That is correct. All: This may not be ideal, but what we are dealing with here is the aftermath of the Xovul. If we can help these people through it, we may gain wonderful new friends. Diplomacy and first contacts are as much our mission as exploration and science.

NAV: Slipstream solution to the Wenkudia system please, Mr. Navarro.

CO: It is already in place, capitana.

:: listens to Harper, thinking through her father's words, and what part they will play in the diplomacy ahead ::

Internally: We just finished a war. We couldn't have ONE peaceful science mission? Not just ONE?

:: watches the viewscreen pointedly ::

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM

PAUSE SIM